Arsenal are working to make a deadline day signing according to a number of reliable reports breaking this morning.
The Gunners have long been linked with a series of right-backs and with news late last night that Hector Bellerin was set to join Real Betis, it was always likely that the club were set to dip into the market today.
Arsenal are hoping to make the deadline day signing of 23-time capped Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu, according to The Athletic.
David Ornstein of The Athletic broke the news this morning and since then multiple sources have confirmed Arsenal’s approach for the 22-year-old, who can play as a central defender and a right back.
The 22-year-old is valued at £18million on transfermarkt and he has been linked with moves across Europe all summer for around that price. Tottenham have also been interested but it appears they have instead opted for another Arsenal target, Emerson Royal.
Tomiyasu stands at 6ft 2′ and would help the defence in terms of height and other physical attributes, something it has shown to be lacking in in the clubs first three Premier League outings this week.
He won 2.9 aerial duels per 90 last season and is listed on WhoScored as being very strong in the air.
Tomiyasu’s ability to play as a central defender or right-back gives Arteta tactical flexibility. It means he could start as a right-back in a four, but in possession we know Tierney likes to get forward, this would allow Tomiyasu to form more of a back three with White and Gabriel, in the build up.
Like many of the Arsenal signings this window, Tomiyasu is also capable of dribbling with the ball well. He averages 0.5 dribbles per 90, 0.5 shots per 90 and 0.3 key passes per 90, this is very high for a defender – highlighting that he can also make an impact in the final third.
Tomiyasu’s arrival could mean that Arsenal are willing to let both Bellerin and Maitland-Niles leave on deadline day. Maitland-Niles is expected to push for a move away from Arsenal today, after the club blocked a loan switch to Everton yesterday.